The Man In The Saville Row Suit

Growing up in Marylebone Central London in the sixties was an exciting time. Even at less than 8 years old my mates and I were complete and utter terrors and ruffians. Mini skirts were the order of the day and we would slide along the ground to look up skirts to see what colour knickers the women were wearing.

Few women complained. Most thought it hilarious. It was a good game and at least we weren't nicking sixpences out of the newly installed parking meters.

One day we were having our usual fun outside the Greenwell a pub on Greenwell Street.

The Man in The Saville Row Suit watched us. He seemed to have the respect of everyone who went into the pub. He called over to us.

"You lot come here"

He had the commanding voice young kids cannot ignore.

"Yeah what?" Our oldest friend replied.

The Man in The Saville Row Suit smiled.

"I have half a crown here for each of you. You can have the money if you follow my rules" And what are they ? The Man in The Saville Row Suit set out his rules. " Don'r swear, don't smoke and always be good to your mum" We all agreed and half a crown each .
The Man in The Saviille Row Suit went back into the bar.

We didn't swear didn't smoke and we were all good to our mums. Well on that day.

Who was The Man in The Saville Row Suit?

Mad Frankie Fraser enforcer for the Krays the last man in England to get the birch. We didn't see him again for a while.

Memories.